Air France-KLM reports strong performance
The Air France-KLM Group reported a “strong performance” in the second quarter with sales revenue up 6.4% to €5.13bn and scheduled passenger revenue up 6.5% to €3.8bn.
In a statement, the Group said it had performed well in the six months to September 30 despite rising oil prices.
It said both airlines contributed to the results with Air France's revenue up 5.6% to €3.36bn and KLM's up 8.4% to €1.78bn.
The Group said that first half revenues for the 2004-2005 financial year showed revenues up 9.1% to €9.59bn and scheduled passenger revenue also up by 9.1% to €7.12bn.
TQ3 launches training academy
TQ3 UK has launched a training academy in London offering staff four-12 week courses in technology and industry standards.
The move comes after an 18 month research programme into training needs by the TMC.
New TQ3 staff will undergo a four to 12 week programme depending on previous experience.
TQ3 is also setting up a management training programme which will include leadership, delegation, motivation and team building.
Alan Spence, TQ3 UK's managing director, said: “TQ3 has created a facility which offers training and development across all levels be it school leaver, the advanced travel consultant or senior management.”
ACTE's London PowerTalk
The Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) has organised a London PowerTalk at the Sol Melia White House Hotel on November 30 to discuss the likely de-regulation of GDSs in Europe next year.
The key speaker is Alex Cruz, a former Sabre executive and now founder and managing consultant of Alnad Ltd. In his presentation, Mr Cruz is expected to argue that de-regulation could lead to a reduction of content on some GDSs forcing agents to connect to two or more and thereby raising costs.
For full details see: www.acte.org
Amadeus revises 2004 forecast
GDS and IT solutions provider Amadeus has revised its 2004 profit forecast after a 16.9% increase in net income for the third quarter.
President and ceo Jose Antonio Tazon said it was now raising its 2004 met income forecast to €210m.
Mr Tazon said that during the third quarter, Amadeus has seen overall bookings increase by 2% to 108.7m compared with the same period in 2003.
“This is a good result when you consider that last year's third quarter bookings were strong as the market rebounded from the crises earlier in 2003. Year to year bookings have grown by 9.2% compared with last year.”
* Amadeus has bought a further 35% in IT company Optims to add to its existing 30% holding. The Madrid-based GDS said it would buy the remaining 35% of the company is the current purchase received clearance form the competition authorities.
Whitbread sell Marriott brand
Whitbread, the UK hotel and leisure group has agreed the sale of its 11 Courtyard by Marriott properties to Chiltern Mondiale, a group of private investors for £79m.
In turn the hotels have been leased to Kew Green Hotels which will run them under the Courtyard brand through an agreement with Marriott International.
The 11 properties are all in the UK.
The sale is part of Whitbread's announced strategy of moving out of the mid-market hotel sector and concentrating on it upmarket Marriotts and budget brand.
Alan Parker, ceo of Whitbread plc, said: “Whitbread is now focused on driving superior returns from its upscale Marriott hotels and on developing the brand through management agreements.”